Taizé Services and Light SupperMeditative services of songs and prayers in candlelight

The word "Taizé" may be unfamiliar to some. For many people, the name "Taizé" evokes a certain style of singing that has become popular in more and more churches, retreat centers, campus religious groups, and even seminaries. For some the word also suggests retreats and gatherings which attract large numbers of young adults. Still others are aware that Taizé is in fact an ecumenical community located in a small village in eastern France. This community has produced some of the most beautiful and moving music that has ever been composed for participation by the whole community of faith (congregation, choir, and clergy).

The liturgy for these services originated with the Taizé community founded in France in 1940. This community is an ecumenical, intentional community with a twofold purpose: to seek communion with God through personal prayer and the beauty of community prayer; and also be a leaven of peace and trust in the midst of humanity. A traditional Taizé service includes listening to God though simple, meditative songs, scripture, prayer and silence, in the beauty of the Westminster Sanctuary.